Sports Network

SECAUCUS, NJ - Red Bull New York signed Mexican national team captain Rafael Marquez to a multi-year contract as the club’s third designated player, the Major League Soccer club announced on Monday.

“I am excited to be joining the Red Bulls,” Marquez said. “Coming to New York and playing in Major League Soccer was a chance that I could not refuse. I am committed to doing my very best to help the Red Bulls in their playoff push this year and compete for championships in the years to come.”

Marquez, 31, spent the last seven seasons of his club career at FC Barcelona, where he was part of four La Liga winning teams. Prior to joining Barcelona, Marquez played for AS Monaco from 1999-2003, winning the Ligue 1 Best Defender in 2000.

Internationally, Marquez has appeared for Mexico 94 times, captaining the team since the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Marquez is New York’s third DP, joining strikers Juan Pablo Angel and Thierry Henry. The red Bulls are currently the only MLS team with three DPs, the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement that went into effect at the beginning of the season.